LSU battling No. 1 in Week 1? One analyst thinks so

LSU's 2025 season starts off with a bang. In a battle of the Tigers, LSU heads to Clemson on Saturday, Aug. 30 to open the new campaign. It has the makings of a fantastic season opener, and LSU has an incredible opportunity to put the entire country on notice with a massive road win.

According to one college football analyst, LSU is taking on the No. 1 team in the country in Week 1. Former Alabama quarterback turned analyst Greg McElroy has listed Clemson as the No. 1 team in the country in his preseason college football rankings. McElroy has LSU listed at No. 7.

McElroy's No. 1 selection for Clemson is debatable

McElroy cites the return of veteran quarterback Cade Klubnik, as well as Clemson's vaunted defensive line as reasoning for their top ranking. Like LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, Klubnik brings plenty of experience to his squad. Last season, Klubnik threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns while throwing just six interceptions. It was a stark increase from his 2,844 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2023. The Nussmeier vs. Klubnik battle will be a good one, as the two quarterbacks have the second and third-best odds to win the Heisman this season.

LSU's offensive line needs to be ready to roll, as Clemson could possess the best defensive front in all of college football this season. The Tigers return elite production to their pass rush, which is headlined by DT Peter Woods and DE T.J. Parker. Both have the potential to be first round draft picks in next year's NFL Draft.

DT DeMonte Capehart, a sixth-year senior, brings plenty of experience to Clemson's defensive front. Capehart has played 45 games for the Tigers, setting a career-high with 51 tackles (31 solo) in 11 games last season.

Dabo Swinney also dipped into the transfer portal to bring in DE Will Heldt from Purdue. Heldt made 56 tackles (37 solo) and recorded 5 sacks for the Boilermakers in 2024.

Clemson was ranked No. 6 in the preseason coaches poll released earlier this week. LSU came in at No. 9. Clemson returns a lot of talent, and Swinney has started dipping into the transfer portal a bit more to round out his roster. The Tigers will be a problem in 2025, but starting the season as the No. 1 team in the country is a bit questionable.

Regardless, LSU has a massive opportunity to prove McElroy wrong in Week 1. Swinney thinks his team can be the first 16-0 team in college football history, but LSU can quickly spoil his plans with a win on Aug. 30.